Portsmouth businesses welcome boost with arrival of sailors from US aircraft carrier USS Harry S. TrumanÂ

The 1,096ft-long arrived off Stokes Bay, Gosport, this morning.

Yvonne Clay, senior marketing manager at Gunwharf Quays, said: '˜We are looking forward to welcoming USS Harry S. Truman to Portsmouth and hope many of the crew choose to explore our wonderful city during their stay.

'˜Many of our stores offer forces discounts and these will be extended to US forces this coming week.

'˜Being located so close to HMNB Portsmouth we are expecting crew to join us on the waterfront to enjoy our range of shops, bars and restaurants.'

Thousands of sailors are set to make a run ashore during the stopover.

And some pubs are welcoming the sailors with signs and balloons.

Manager of the Lady Hamilton pub at The Hard, Idan Lim, said: '˜We're expecting lots of sailors to visit us today and we're hoping for quite a few more customers.

'˜We've got a sign outside welcoming the sailors of USS Harry S. Truman, and American-flag themed balloons inside.

'˜We're quite used to seeing sailors walking around when carriers like this come in.'

The Dolphin pub in Old Portsmouth said that it expects its takings will be upped by the visitors.

Assistant manager Brennan Joyce said: '˜I've been here for two years and when USS George HW Bush visited last year we had lots of sailors visit us.

'˜So we sort of expect them to up our takings today

'˜I think with us being the oldest pub in Portsmouth and with our ties to Lord Nelson it gives them a reason to come here in particular.'